I suppose the spiritual trance is harder to break than the religious one because the delusion is more difficult to distinguish. You have a quasi-cloud of ideas that include wonderful concepts of openness and altruism without the blatant anthropomorphism of religion.
Tag Archives: Luke
Jesus and the Rich Young Man
This story appears in the Gospel of Matthew 19:16–30, the Gospel of Mark 10:17–31 and the Gospel of Luke 18:18–30. It is where we get the saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle … Continue reading
Are You a Good Christian?
Sorry, but that was a trick question. In actuality, there is no such thing as a good Christian. Jesus said that only God is good (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19). To call oneself a “good Christian” is to directly contradict Christ himself. … Continue reading
What Does the Bible Say About Cussing?
Cussing, cursing, profanity, obscenity, expletives, salty speech, minced oaths – it’s all pretty much the same thing. Who doesn’t drop the occasional four-letter-word? I’m just as guilty as everyone else, if not more so. But no real harm done, right? … Continue reading
Did Jesus Really Mean “Take Up Crosses” or “Pull Up Stakes”?
The current translation of Jesus’ statement reads, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NKJV) Is Jesus saying that to follow him they must be … Continue reading
Mythological Beasts in the Bible
There are quite a few fanciful creatures mentioned in the Bible. Some descriptions are simply symbolic and are meant to represent certain nations, people, or ideas in prophetic visions. These creatures were probably never intended to be taken literally. Other passages, … Continue reading
Posted in Bible, Humor
Tagged Bible, God, Israel, Jesus Christ, Jewish, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, New Testament, Revelation, Satan
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The Problem With 2 Timothy 3:16
When asked how they know the Bible is the Word of God, fundamentalists will often quote 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. … Continue reading
Posted in Bible
Tagged AD, Bible, Biblical, Jesus Christ John, Luke, Paul, Word of God
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Why Did Jesus Surround Himself With Prostitutes?
Mary Magdalene, The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair (Luke 7:37-38), the woman Jesus saved from stoning (John 8:1-11) — we are all familiar … Continue reading
Did Jesus Ever Make Mistakes?
Of course, Jesus didn’t make any moral mistakes or sins. But being fully human, he necessarily had incomplete knowledge of the world around him. Certainly as a child, Jesus had to learn how to do some things. Even as an … Continue reading
Famous “Biblical” Terms and Verses NOT Found In the Bible
Here’s a very short list of popular “Biblical” terms and phrases which just so happen *not* to be in the Bible. I’ve attempted to attribute them to the proper sources: “This, too, shall pass” ~ Attar of Nishapur (Sufi poet) … Continue reading
Posted in Bible
Tagged Antichrist, Bible, Biblical, Cotton Mather, Dante Alighieri, God, Heaven, Hell, Homosexual, Love, Lucifer, Luke, Matthew, nonbiblical, Rapture, Satan
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Did Jesus Have a Sense of Humor?
I had something of an epiphany (little ‘e’) a while back. I had been struggling with certain passages in the New Testament in which Jesus says things that seem totally bizarre or incongruous. Then, it finally hit me: duh! He … Continue reading